Short Abstract

This study examines nationalism in Japanese Protestants through the journals The Japan Evangelist, Kiristokyo Sekai, Rikugo Zasshi, and Shinjin in Meiji Period. Also, it draws attention to the complex and multidimensional relationship between nationalism and Christianity in Japanese Protestant mind.

Long Abstract

During the Meiji period, Japan established the ideological framework of the state with clear boundaries through the 1889 Meiji Constitution, which enshrined the absolute authority of the emperor in law. This ideology, defined as Kokkashugi, began to permeate every segment of society through the educational institutions and mass media of the period, and was propagated as a state doctrine. It gained increasing momentum in the country, particularly with military victories such as the Sino-Japanese War and the Russo-Japanese War. It had a significant impact on every segment of society, even on minority groups such as Japanese Protestants. The differing approaches of these groups, which questioned the raison d'être of the Japanese state and deeply examined the relationship between the unique characteristics of Japanese identity and Christianity, were echoed both in the reports of foreign missionaries and in the publications of Japanese Protestants themselves.

In this context, this study has examined leading Christian periodicals published during the Meiji period, such as The Japan Evangelist, Kiristukyo Sekai, Rikugo Zasshi, and Shinjin, and has comprehensively analysed how nationalism was expressed in Christian media and what kinds of criticisms were voiced against the mainstream nationalist discourse of the period. These journals were examined with a particular focus on articles written during and after the Russo-Japanese War, especially between 1900 and 1912. As a result of this research, it was observed that certain common themes were addressed in the journals. Among these themes, views that glorify and sanctify state authority and national ceremonies held at Shinto shrines have been criticised under the scope of freedom of belief. National views, meanwhile, have centred on topics such as Japan being a state and nation with a history stretching back over 2,000 years, warnings that national sovereignty must never be transferred to foreigners, Japan's sacred and global responsibilities, the uniqueness of the Japanese people, gratitude towards the Meiji Emperor and patriotism. This research has revealed the complex and multidimensional relationship between the Japanese Protestants community and nationalism. Attention has been drawn to the fundamental principles underpinning this complex and multidimensional relationship.